The Grand Tour is gearing up for a reboot with new hosts Francis Bourgeois, Thomas Holland, and James Engelsman, set to premiere on September 4, 2026. Amazon is already preparing more episodes ahead of the trio's debut.
Why it matters: This reboot marks a fresh chapter for The Grand Tour after the departure of its original hosts, Jeremy Clarkson, James May, and Richard Hammond, who retired in 2024. The new trio aims to establish their own identities and chemistry.
The Grand Tour's reboot starts on September 4, 2026, with Bourgeois, Holland, and Engelsman replacing the original trio.
Amazon executives are reportedly impressed by the new hosts, prompting plans for additional episodes even before the first airs.
Executive producer Andy Wilman confirmed that work for a second series is already underway, with more locations being planned.
Driving the news: The new hosts recently met with Clarkson at his pub in Asthall, near Burford, to discuss their approach to the show. This meeting was described as surreal by the hosts, who received valuable advice from Clarkson.
Clarkson, who co-hosted the show for nearly 20 years, gave his blessing to the new trio and will make a cameo in the first episode.
During their Cotswolds meeting, Clarkson emphasized the importance of genuinely loving cars, which he deemed the most important aspect of hosting.
The hosts also received guidance from production team members Andy Wilman and Richard Porter, who advised against contrived content.
State of play: The new series promises to tackle unique motoring challenges and absurd questions in some of the world's toughest terrains. This includes crossing the Angolan desert and exploring Malaysia’s vibrant car culture.
Engelsman noted the new hosts have worked together for nearly a decade, creating car films prior to joining The Grand Tour.
Bourgeois remarked on the challenge of filling the shoes of the original hosts, comparing it to Mo Farah running in oversized wellies.
The new presenters aim to replicate the original hosts' chemistry, which was a hallmark of the show's success.
The big picture: The transition to new hosts comes after the dissolution of the original production company, W Chump & Sons, which was co-owned by Clarkson, May, and Hammond.
The original trio ended their time on The Grand Tour with the final episode titled "One for the Road" in September 2024.
Fans are eager to see how the new hosts will interpret the show's format and whether they can capture the same audience appeal.
With the original hosts' legacy in mind, the new trio is under pressure to deliver a successful reboot that resonates with both old fans and newcomers.
What they're saying: The new hosts expressed excitement and trepidation about taking on the iconic series.
Holland described the opportunity as a gamble, saying, "Only a moron would take that job," highlighting the high expectations set by the original hosts.
Bourgeois added, "It’ll be a little awkward at first, perhaps blister-inducing, but will be an interesting watch."
Engelsman emphasized their long-standing collaboration, stating, "Who knew that all this time, the one ingredient that was missing was a Francis Bourgeois?"
By the numbers: The Grand Tour reboot features a new trio of hosts who bring diverse backgrounds in automotive content creation.
Francis Bourgeois, 26, is known for his social media presence and enthusiasm for trains and cars.
James Engelsman, 34, has nearly a decade of experience making car films with Holland.
Thomas Holland, 39, hosts the popular YouTube channel Throttle House, which focuses on car reviews and tests.
What's next: With the reboot set to premiere on September 4, 2026, anticipation is building among fans and industry insiders alike.
As the new hosts prepare for their debut, they are focused on developing their unique style and chemistry on-screen.
Engelsman and Holland are ahead to the challenges ahead, with Holland noting the importance of staying true to the show's essence.
Fans can expect to see the new trio in action as they navigate various terrains and tackle bizarre automotive questions in the upcoming episodes.